I’ve just finished 30 days without alcohol. A really interesting challenge and one which, with London’s most enjoyable pub culture, I thought I would find fairly difficult.

Actually though, once the decision was made, it turned out to be easy. I cleared my calendar (or more specifically selected a very socially quiet 30 day period) and set about eschewing any form of alcohol.

Things I noticed during this challenge

I didn’t miss alcohol at all.

Having not drunk coffee for 9 months prior to this challenge, I oddly & somewhat automatically found myself back in Starbucks every morning.

I generally had higher quality sleep and found waking up in the morning predictably easier.

My weight didn’t change in any significant way.

“That’s the problem with drinking, I thought, as I poured myself a drink. If something bad happens you drink in an attempt to forget; if something good happens you drink in order to celebrate; and if nothing happens you drink to make something happen.”
― Charles Bukowski

What I’ll take away from this challenge

I really enjoyed the freedom that this challenge gave me in term of not feeling like I “had” to drink. I did make it easy on myself by somewhat socially hibernating for 30 days but the experience of not drinking while at the pub or out with friends is something that I’ll probably experiment again with in the future.

I also found that I’ve had one of the most productive 30 day periods of my life. I’ve spent huge chunks of time working on my startup, finished two books and continued my drive to learn new things — all of which has been incredibly fulfilling.